This kids pottery wheel is magic for any clay lover. Learn real pottery skills and introduce new clay techniques to kids. A big thank you to Faber-Castell for sponsoring this post and sending us the pottery studio to try out and review. As always, all opinions expressed are our own.
My son is a huge clay lover and I’ve had my eye on Faber-Castell’s Do Art Pottery Studio for a while now, with him in mind.
We had SO much fun trying out this kids pottery wheel! I took adult pottery classes myself and I think this kit is a great entry point for kids.
It opens up a whole new world and allows kids to build new clay skills and work on real pottery techniques. Kids can practice all the basics that you would at a pottery class––things like centering and raising a pot.
Also, this kit is a nice middle ground for a child who loves clay but is too young for a class. Or maybe you don’t want to commit to the cost of a class yet.
Kids Pottery Wheel
All in all, a pretty amazing kit for the clay lover in your life! I especially like that it’s something kids can return to over and again while building their skill set.
This would make an unique art gift for a birthday or holiday, so be sure to keep it in mind for that special occasion. It also is a great product to experiment with over summer break. I know we’ll be trying ours all.summer.long.
Working with Clay
Before we get started, a few tips to contain the mess
- Set up a table outside, if possible. Or in a place that you’re ok with a little more mess.
- Use a tray for supplies and a small container for water
- Shape clay on a tray (when prepping clay or making a pinch pot)
- Have towels on hand and a container to periodically rinse of hands in.
- Use a sponge or washcloth to clean wheel & table surface.
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How to Make a Clay Pot on a Kids Pottery Wheel
Here are the basic steps we went through to create a real clay pot!
- Wedge clay
Download our free PDF with tips for steps to remove air bubbles from clay before you get started.
- Center clay on wheel
Turn pottery wheel on and while rotating, firmly press a clay ball into the center of the wheel. Use the marked target on the wheel to help guide you.
One hand presses with a firm downward motion while the other hand helps guide the clay to prevent it from moving out of the center target marked.
This takes practice to get the hang of but is very important to get correct or your pot will not rotate evenly on the wheel.
- Open a pot
First, create a hole in the center of the clay ball. Insert your thumb into the middle of the ball of clay. Press down into the ball as the wheel spins.
Be sure to leave an estimated 1/4″-1/2″ for the base of the pot and avoid going straight through to the bottom.
- Raise the pot
Place thumb inside the pot and your index and middle fingers on the outside of the pot. Apply even pressure and slowly pull your fingers in an upward direction.
This motion creates the walls of your pot! Continue until it is the desired height.
- Remove pot from wheel
Use the clay cutter tool to remove your pot from the wheel. Slide the wire carefully under the pot and firmly guide it to slice the pot off of the wheel. Set pot on a tray to dry.
- Let pot dry completely
Set pot on a tray out of moisture and sunlight. Let dry completely. The included natural air dry clay will turn white when dry.
- Paint pot
Finally, paint pot with included acrylic paints.
I highly recommend that you try this kids pottery wheel and see where it leads your child!
Faber-Castell Do Art Studio
Age // Skill Level:
The box recommends this wheel for ages 8+. My son is a new 6-year-old, but very familiar with clay. He needed my help to get set up and help walk him through it, but in a short time, I think he’ll be ready to use the wheel solo. All that to say, consider the child’s skill level versus age when considering if this is the right fit.
Things we liked: I love that this kit is a pottery wheel that’s powerful enough to actually throw a clay pot on! How exciting for kids to feel like a real potter! As mentioned above, this opens a whole new world for kids who love clay.
What we might change: This kit requires 3 C batteries. At first I thought the USB option was unrealistic as I wanted to use the wheel outside. My husband suggested connecting it to a battery pack and this worked great! I’d recommend it as you can easily transport the wheel wherever you’d like and recharge the battery pack in an electrical outlet afterwards.
Where to Buy: You can purchase the Do Art Pottery Studio through Faber-Castell’s website directly. Or look for it at your local toy, craft or big box stores.
More kits by Faber-Castell
- Designed By You Fashion Studio
- Hide & Seek Paint Pour Rocks
- Create with Clay Dinosaurs
- Lots o’ Loops Potholder Loom
More Faber-Castell products we’ve reviewed:
- Hide & Seek Rock Painting Kit with Creativity for Kids
- Fashion Design for Kids Made Easy & Fun with Kits
- 7 Diversity Art Activities for Kids with World Colors
- Drawing People from Around the World with New Skin Tone Pencils
- 12 Awesome Watercolor Art Activities for Kids
Again, a big thank you to Faber-Castell for sponsoring this post and sending us the Do Art Pottery Studio to try out and review. As always, all opinions expressed are our own.
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